New initiative on HIV/AIDS to target high risk groups

Mumbai, Sep 21 (UNI) In an effort to augment the strength to fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Maharashtra, Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trust (HLFPPT) today announced the launch of a new initiative -- condom vapra campaign (use condom campaign) in 22 high risk districts of the state.

Addressing a press conference here, CEO of HLFPPT C Manoj said the campaign has been launched in partnership with Maharashtra Government and other NGOs. HIV/AIDS epidemic in the state is classified to be of high prevalence with five per cent or more of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) patients representing high risk groups and one per cent or more of women in Anti-Natal Clinic (ANC) testing positive.

He said the campaign is aimed at the most vulnerable groups such as sex workers, promiscuous individual and communities who face discrimination and the stigma of the use of condomns and HIV/AIDS.

The campaign opens a window of opportunity to stop a full blown AIDS epidemic in Maharashtra, he said. Targetted towards high risk groups in 22 high prevalence districts mapped by the state government, it will also deliver condom promotion and awareness of sexually transmitted infections, voluntary counseling and propogate respect of human rights to achieve the common goal of curbing the epidemic of this fatal disease in the state.

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